Dear Hear4hearts,
Thank you for visiting this post. Sincere apologies for just responding. I hope its not coming late.
1. I am sorry to hear you had to move back home after almost a decade in the UK. You probably could have tried getting a masters or a PhD to push for 1 one more year so you could get your ILR, well that is water under the bridge now. Based on face value, I do not think you have a good profile to pursue a Bachelors program in Canada. As a matter of fact, you travel history will come into question, and when the VO sees you have lived in the UK for so long, and now you are trying to apply to get into Canada, it will raise a red flag that you may not have an intention to return to your home country, so it does not look good. Based on your age and family, I would not advise you move forward with this approach. I would recommend you or your husband consider the Express Entry route to Canada. Once you get there you can pursue your calling into ministry by going to theological school or college.
2. Well this may not be useful now based on item 1 response. However, it is not a good idea to apply with one's dependents for study permit. You are better off applying for your permit first, when you get it, then apply for the kids. By applying for everyone, you are showing dual intent. Meaning you may like to study and may also like to immigrate to Canada. That is a terrible red-flag, and your visa application could be rejected for such as well.
3. If you or your husband are in your early to mid-30 (max 36/37) and you have work experience of over 3 years within a Canadian NOC code that is either 0,A, or B, I will strongly suggest you pursue the express entry option. N5M a year is not sufficient to support you and 3 kids in Canada. You should expect to be spending around N6-10mm a year in Canada for your annual tuition, your living costs, and that of your kids. If you are under a lot of financial stress, you will find it impossible to cope with your studies. I do not think it is worth it.
I am sorry I do not have news you wanted to here, however, I prefer you have the facts, so yo can take an informed decision on whether the international student route is satisfactory or not.
Let us know how it goes.
All the best.
Omofar